Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe is expected to recover and be back to his full schedule in several days after being treated Monday for injuries sustained when he was thrown from a horse while on a recent holiday vacation with his family in Africa.
First lady Dorothy McAuliffe said in a statement late Monday afternoon that Mr. McAuliffe was “resting comfortably” after a successful procedure at VCU Medical Center to drain fluid from his chest cavity, and that the team there said he is expected to recover well and get back to his “full schedule” “within the next few days.”
“We would also like to thank the many well-wishers from all across Virginia who expressed concern and support for Terry as he continues to recover,” Mrs. McAuliffe said.
Via Twitter, Mr. McAuliffe also offered thanks for the well wishes.
“I’m on to a speedy recovery and looking forward to resuming my full schedule in the next few days,” he tweeted.
Mr. McAuliffe broke seven ribs as a result of the incident and has been on the job since his return, but doctors identified fluid around his lungs that required a procedure to remove, according to spokesman Brian Coy.
The Democratic governor did attend an event in Norfolk on Monday as part of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and also delivered a prime-time State of the Commonwealth address last week.
Republican leaders, who are poised to battle Mr. McAuliffe legislatively during this year’s 45-day General Assembly session, wished him well.
House Speaker William J. Howell, Stafford Republican, said he wishes Mr. McAuliffe a speedy recovery and that “our thoughts are with Governor McAuliffe after his accident and during his procedure.”
“Our entire caucus wishes Governor McAuliffe a speedy recovery,” said Senate Majority Leader Thomas K. Norment Jr., James City Republican. “We look forward to seeing him back in Capitol Square in a matter of days.”
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.
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